Spring is springing and now that we have a little more freedom (both us and our hounds) there is no better time to explore with your dogs some incredible parks around Johannesburg.

This a great variety to choose from whether you want to go on or off leash, a gentle stroll or a bit of adventure trail. Whichever option you go for, please make sure that you take only socialized dogs especially for off lead adventures.

If you are new to dog walks in Joburg, keep your possessions on you to a minimum and hidden. Keep hydrated, especially if you’re not used to the Joburg summer sun. Walks earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon are mor enjoyable for you and your dogs.

Tips and Etiquette

Please take a poop bag with you
Leash always (even if you’re planning on an off leash walk you never know what might happen with other dogs)
Water if you think it’s going to be a long walk especially in summer
If it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for your dog (rather walk when its cooler)
Leave your dog toys at home … it may just cause issues with other dogs wanting to play

Here are some of my favorite walks that we love to go on in and around town.

Delta Park in RandburgDelta Park is popular with dog walkers due to hectares of lush green grasslands and woodlands. There are also several dams for the dogs to wade in, and an heaps of bird life to keep an eye on.

A couple of the entrances also sell doggie products and coffees for the humans.

Do keep an eye out for cyclists as the walking and bike trails often intersect and they can come through at a speed.

Emmarentia Dog Park ,is a firm favourite with dogs and their humans!

Check your entrances to see if you can enter off/ on leash. The off leash entrances are the top entrance on Thomas Bowler or Orange Road. There are a couple of dams where in summer, the dogs just love to jump in and cool down.

It also has a great community atmosphere and apart from the entrance there is little interaction with cyclists.

The Wilds – one of Joburg’s most beautiful park, The Wilds has been declared a National Monument. Its located sits in the dead centre of urban Johannesburg and is easy to drive by if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The park is open for walking tours during the summer months and you can bring your dog provided it’s on a leash. The views from the top of Joburg are spectacular and you get the added additions of seeing some of artist, James Delaney’s Owl and other animal installations

Sandton Field and Study Centre – is located near the Sandton business district, this tract of urban greenery is fenced off for safety and allows for dogs to run free and off-lead. The horses in the land across from the park are in eye-view for the dogs, making for much excitement.

There is also a fabulous café on the property to cater for the humans.

James and Ethel Grey park – is a small park close to the suburb of Birdhaven, just south of Melrose Arch, and started its life as a bird sanctuary - hence the rather apt name for the suburb closest to the park. Sandspruit River that winds through a range of beautifully landscaped lawns, indigenous vegetation, walkways and benches.

By the main entrance in Birdhaven there is an area for the dogs to potter around off leash and it’s a hugely socialble part of the park. The views of the Joburg skyline are fabulous as well. Grab a cup of coffee from Voodoo Lily up the road and enjoy the scenary.

Melville Koppies Nature reserve - is not only a reserve but also a Johannesburg City Heritage Site. It is the last conserved remnant of Johannesburg's ridges as they were before the discovery of gold in 1886. Its open daily, but it is recommended that you walk in groups. Definitely not a walk for elderly or injured dogs. There are also monthly guided walks if you want to learn more about the reserve and dogs on leads are welcome

Here are some other places to consider in and around Joberg